Keith Lockhart Celebrates 20 Years With Boston Pops

Lockhart succeeded John Williams as the conductor of the Boston Pops in 1995. (Published Thursday, April 30, 2015)

Keith Lockhart is celebrating 20 years as conductor of the Boston Pops Orchestra.

Lockhart was the new kid in town in 1995 when he arrived at Symphony Hall, succeeding John Williams as the new conductor of the Boston Pops.

"I've always loved this town and to have a chance to move here and do my life's work here, I am still pinching myself," said Lockhart. "I was a very lucky guy in 1995 and I still am."

Lockhart has conducted nearly 1,700 Pops concerts during his time here. He's hosted hundreds of famous musicians, did one very memorable Does It Work segment with necn, and has been a part of nearly every signature event in the city.

"Pretty much every Fourth of July because that's such a special moment. Who else sees 500,000 plus people every year at a single event?" Lockhart said. "From these wonderful celebrations that have pulled us all together to moments like the commemoration of the Marathon bombing, but that's what the Pops is there for. We are the orchestra that I think reflects the culture and community that we serve."

And Lockhart still loves his job.

"I still feel fresh and young in this job. I still feel there's lots to accomplish. This explosion of web-based technology, entertainment, cultural information has really affected the way that we interact with each other and interact with the arts. I would like to be part of whatever poises the Pops to be significant another 50 years," he told necn.

Among some of the highlights this season is the Boston Pops' "By Popular Demand" program. Audience members will get to live-vote during some concerts, selecting their favorite songs with their mobile devices on the below dates.